What is Sensitive Data Shield?

Sensitive Data Shield provides an extra layer of protection for your sensitive documents against malware and unauthorized access. Sensitive files contain your personal information that, if revealed, can compromise your privacy and identity. Sensitive Data Shield secures your private data by controlling which applications and users have access to your files.

Is Sensitive Data Shield a free feature?

No. Sensitive Data Shield is only available with a paid Avast Premium Security subscription.

Which files does Sensitive Data Shield protect?

Sensitive Data Shield scans for and protects documents that may contain your personal data such as banking details, passwords, IDs, payslips, and other sensitive information. If malware or hackers attack your Windows device and gain access to these unprotected documents, your identity can be stolen and misused.

After scanning, Sensitive Data Shield displays a list of any unsecured .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, and .xlsx documents found on your Windows device that contain sensitive data. You can choose if you want Sensitive Data Shield to protect all or some of these files.

How can I use Sensitive Data Shield?

For instructions to use Sensitive Data Shield, refer to the following article: Sensitive Data Shield - Getting Started.

Can I protect my files from other people who use my Windows device?

By default, Sensitive Data Shield ensures that protected files are inaccessible to other user accounts on your Windows device. This is useful if you have sensitive documents stored on a shared Windows device. To manage Sensitive Data Shield settings, refer to the following article: Sensitive Data Shield - Getting Started.

Can I block a particular application from opening my sensitive files?

Yes. You can specify applications that are always blocked or allowed access to your protected files. To manage Sensitive Data Shield application permissions, refer to the following article: Sensitive Data Shield - Getting Started.